Greene, George Washingtont 

Specimen pages of tlxe Life and works 
vf Maj.-Gen. Nathaniel ar^*-"®« 



SPECIMEN PAGES 



LIFE AND WORKS 



MAJ.-GEN. NATIIANAEL GREENE. 



^ .- , 



THE 



LIFE, LETTERS, AND DESPATCHES 



OF 



MAJOR-GENERAL NATHANAEL GREENE, 



IN SEVEN VOLUMES, OCTAVO. 



WITH PORTRAITS, MAPS, AND BATTLE-PLANS, 



IN STYLE SIMILAR TO SPAEKS'S WASHINGTON, FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT 
IN THE POSSESSION OF HIS FAMILY; 




WITH A LIFE 



BY HIS GRANDSON, 

GEORGE WASHINGTON GREENE. 




TO BE PUBLISHED BY SUBSCRIPTION. 
<-, Price, $2.25 per Volume. 



^. 



n 



75 



(ic 



PROSPECTUS. 



Op all the materials for the History of the War 
of the Revolution, there are none, which, after the 
letters and despatches of Washington, are so impor- 
tant as the letters and despatches of Major-General 
Greene. General Greene joined the army at the 
camp before Boston, immediately after the battle of 
Lexington, in 1775, and continued in active service, 
without a day's furlough, to the final disbandment, 
in 1783. From the spring of 1778 to the summer 
of 1780 he filled, in addition to his rank as Major- 
General, the office of Quartermaster-General, which he 
accepted at the urgent solicitation of Washington ; 
which he found in a state of absolute disorganiza- 
tion ; and which, under all the disadvantages of an 
exliausted country and depreciated currency, he ad- 
ministered with such promptitude and efficiency as 
to call forth from the Commander-in-Chief the assur- 
ance that no plan of operations had ever been 
thwarted or delayed by want of cooperation in his 
department. After the defeat of General Gates, on 
the 16th of August, 1780, which left the Carolinas 
and Georgia in the hands of the enemy, and Virginia 



4 PROSPECTUS. 

open to immediate invasion, he was appointed to 
the command of the forces in the Southern States ; 
and within less than a year, with the remnant of an 
army half armed, half clad, and often half starved, 
without a military chest, and with no resources but 
those of his own energy and genius, he had by four 
battles and a series of vigorous attacks upon the 
enemy's posts, driven Cornwallis with one part of 
the hostile army into the toils of Yorktown, and 
shut up the other in limits " hardly more than large 
enough for them to pitch their tents upon." During 
the whole of this period he was the confidential 
friend and counsellor of Washington, who relied 
upon him for advice, support, and sympathy, and 
had, according to the general belief of the army, 
marked him out as his successor in case of any dis- 
aster to his own person. 

The record of this illustrious career, an accurate 
knowledge of which is essential to an accurate knowl- 
edge of that important period of our national annals, 
is contained in the letters and despatches, which are 
now offered for the first time to the student of 
American history in a collective and authentic form. 
A Life, prepared from these original sources, will 
form the first volume of the collection. 



PROSPECTUS. 



NOTICES OF THE WORK. 



From Jared Sparks, LL. D, 
The work you propose will be a very valuable contribution to the his- 
tory of the Revolution. I have read many of General Greene's letters. 
No one of the great actors of that peinod wrote with more vigor, or dis- 
cussed the important topics of the time with greater ability, or a sounder 
judgment. His letters are also marked by a peculiar felicity of style, a 
clearness of conception, a fluency of language, a depth of thouglit, and a 
range of ideas, which prove at once the power and versatihty of his mind. 
His energy of character and action was equalled only by the ardor of his 
patriotism. Always sincere in his professions, generous, and frank, his let- 
ters convey not less the genuine sentiments of his heart than the deliber- 
ate convictions of his understanding. 



From the late Vice-President, Wm. R. King. 

Born in North Carolina, I feel the obligations of my native State and 
of the whole South to General Greene. He was without doubt the great 
military genius of the Revolution. 



From Hon. Edward Everett. 
I am happy to learn that you propose to publish the letters and 
despatches of General Greene. His position in the army of the Revolu- 
tion, second only to that of its illustrious Chief, and the importance of the 
events with which he was immediately connected, will make his corre- 
spondence highly interesting to the general reader, and extremely impor- 
tant to the student of Amei'ican history. 



From Lieut.-Gen. Winjield Scott. 
I shall subscribe for a co})y of the Life and Despatches of General 
Greene to place beside the Life and Writings of Washington. These 
names are indissoluble in tlieir inunortality. 



PROSPECTUS. 



From Alexander Hamilton's Eulogy on General Greene. 

In his life we have a succession of deeds as glorious as they are un- 
equivocal to attest his greatness and perpetuate the honors of his name. 
His abilities entitled him to a preeminent share in the councils of his 
Chief. He gained it, and he preserved it. 



From a Speech of Hon. R. Toombs, in the U. S. Senate, December 23, 
1856, on Revolutionary Claims. 
I hope the unpublished papers of General Greene -will soon be printed, 
because there are in them many revolutionary reminiscences of great 
interest; and they -will be valuable, even for the administration of justice 
on an occasion like tliis. I have had access to some of these papers, 
through the kindness of his son. 



From the 4:th volume of Jrving's Life of Washington. 

The news of Greene's death struck heavily on Washington's heart, to 
whom, in the most arduous trials of the Revolution, he had been a second 
self " He was a great and good man," was Washington's comprehensive 
eulogy of him. 

We are happy to learn (adds Irving) that a complete collection of the 
correspondence of General Greene is about to be published by his worthy 
and highly cultivated grandson, George Washington Greene. It is a work, 
that, like Sparks's Writings of Washington, should form a part of every 
American library. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



TO GENERAL MORGAN. 

Camp Pedee, January 19tb, 1781. 
Dear Sir, 

Your favor of the 15th was deUvered me last 
evenmg about 12 o'clock. 

I am surprised that General Sumpter should give 
such an order as you mention to Colonel Hill ; nor 
can I persuade myself but that there must be some 
mistake in the matter ; for though it is the most mili- 
tary to convey orders through the principal to the 
dependants as well from propriety as respect, yet 
this may not always be convenient or even practica- 
ble ; and therefore to give a positive order not to 
obey, was repugnant to reason and common sense ; 
especially as the head was subject to your orders, 
consequently the dependants also. I will write Sump- 
ter on the subject ; but as it is better to conciliate 
than aggravate matters where every thing depends 
so much upon voluntary principles, I wish you to 
take no notice of the matter but endeavor to influ- 
ence his conduct to give you all the aid in his 
power. Write him frequently and consult with him 
freely. He is a man of great pride and considerable 



8 LIFE, LETTERS, AND DESPATCHES OF 

merit, and should not be neglected. If he has given 
such an order I persuade myself he will see the 
impropriety of the matter and correct it in future, 
unless personal glory is more the object than public 
good, which I cannot suppose is the case with him 
or any other man who fights in the cause of liberty. 

I was informed of Lord Cornwallis's movements 
before the arrival of your letter, and agree with you 
in opinion that 3^ou are the object ; and from his 
making so general a movement it convinces me he 
feels a great inconvenience from your force and situ- 
ation. He would never harass his troops to remove 
you if he did not think it an object of some impor- 
tance ; nor would he put his collective force in 
motion if he had not some respect for your numbers. 
I am sensible your situation is critical and requires 
the most watchful attention to guard against a sur- 
prise. But I think it is of great importance to keep 
up a force in that quarter, nor can I persuade 
myself that the militia alone will answer the same 
valuable purposes as when joined by the continental 
troops. 

It is not my wish you should come to action 
unless you have a manifest advantage and a moral 
certainty of succeeding. Put nothing to the hazard. 
A retreat may be disagreeable but it is not disgrace- 
ful. Regard not the opinion of the day. It is not 
our business to require too much ; our affairs are in 
too critical a situation, and require time and nursing 
to give them a better tone. 

If General Sumpter and you could fix upon a plan 
for him to hold the post which you now occupy and 
he to Ije joined by the militia under General David- 



MAJOR-GENERAL NATHANAEL GREENE. 9 

son, and you with your force, and the Georgia and 
Virginia miUtia to move towards Augusta or into 
that quarter, I should have no objection "to such a 
movement, providing you think that it will answer 
any valuable purpose, and can be attempted with a 
degree of safety. 

I am unwilling to recall you if it can be avoided, 
but I had rather recall you by flir than expose you 
to the hazard of a surprise. 

Before this can possibly reach you, I imagine the 
movements of Lord Cornwallis and Colonel Tarleton 
will be sufficiently explained ; and you obUged to 
take some decisive measure. I shall be perfectly sat- 
isfied if you keep clear of a misfortune ; for though 
I wish you laurels, yet I am not willing to expose 
the common cause to give you an opportunity to 
acquire them. 

As the rivers are subject to sudden and great 
swells, you must be careful that the enemy don't take 
a position to gain your rear when you can neither 
retreat by your flanks nor your front. The Pedee 
rose 25 feet the last week in 30 hours. I am pre- 
paring boats to move always with the army, would 
one or two be of use to you ? They will be put 
upon four wheels and may be moved with little 
more difficulty than a loaded wagon. 

I am. Sir, N. Greene. 

P. S. I have directed General Davidson to receive 
your orders, and in conjunction with General Sumpter, 
to consult with you a plan for a combined attack on 
one of the divisions of Lord Cornwallis's army and 
respectmg your movement into Georgia. 



10 LIFE, LETTERS, AND DESPATCHES OF 



TO GENERAL SUMPTER. 

Januarj' 19th, 1781. 
Dear Sir, 

I have just received letters from General Morgan 
informing me of his situation; and representing the 
difficulties he meets with in collecting provision; and 
among other things he mentions some embarrassment 
which has arisen from an order of yours to Colonel 
Hill, not to obey any order from him unless it come 
through you. I imagine there must be some misap- 
prehension about the matter; for I cannot suppose 
you would give an improper order or that you have 
the most distant wish to embarrass the public affairs. 

It is certainly right that all orders should go 
through the principal to the dependants as well for 
the preservation of good government as to inspire a 
proper respect; this is a general rule and should 
never be deviated from but in cases of necessity, or 
where the difficulty of conveying an order through 
the principal will be attended with a fatal delay. 
In that case the order should be directed to the 
branches and not to the principal ; and as the head 
is subject to the order the branches are of course ; 
for it would be very extraordinary if a captain was 
to presume to dispute an order from his General 
because it was not communicated through his Colonel. 
At the same time that the right is indisputable it 
should always be avoided but in cases of absolute 
necessity. 

General Morgan is an exceeding good officer and 



MAJOR-GENERAL NATHAN AEL GREENE. H 

understands his duty perfectly well ; and I know he 
has the highest respect for your character; and 
therefore am persuaded if there has been any inter- 
ference different from the general principles which 
should govern military matters, it must have hap- 
pened through inadvertence or from a persuasion 
that you did not mean to exercise command during 
the time of your indisposition. 

K any thing in his conduct has had the appear- 
ance of indelicacy or neglect, I hope you will not 
suffer it to bias your conduct from that line which 
has given you weight and influence among your 
countrymen. It is the mark of a great mind to rise 
superior to little injuries, and our object should be 
the good of our country not personal glory. 

I find from intelligence through different channels 
that Lord Cornwallis is at the cross roads, and that 
Tarleton is upon Tyger River; but the accounts 
differ widely respecting their numbers ; nor is there 
a possibility of knowing with any certainty the 
strength of an army or detachment without knowing 
the corps and getting the strength of each. 

Morgan has about 900 men with him. General 
Davidson is also collecting a considerable force at 
Charlotte. I have directed them to consult with you 
the practicability of forming a junction with your 
force and make a combined attack upon one of the 
divisions of Lord Cornwallis's army. You will please 
to favor them and me with your opinion upon the 
matter. 

General Morgan also proposes a diversion into 
Georgia and to leave you and General Davidson to 
cover the country from Broad River to the Catawba. 



12 LIFE, LETTERS, AND DESPATCHES OF 

I am doubtful of its effects and wish your opinion 
upon that also. 

I have had no further news from Virginia. 

I am, with esteem, your most obedient humble 
servant, - N. Greene. 



TO GENERAL MARION. 

January 19th, 1781. 
Dear Sir, 

The inclosed letter from Captain Odingsells came 
to hand last evening. I have directed him to apply 
to you for orders on the subject. 

I have detached Major Anderson with 100 regulars 
and 100 Virginia militia to attack and disperse the 
Tories at Amis's Mill on Drowning Creek. The 
party marched yesterday, with orders to endeavor to 
surprise them. Perhaps you might be able to make 
some detachment that would contribute to the suc- 
cess of the party. 

By the last accounts Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton 
was in motion with about 1000 troops toAvards Gen- 
eral Morgan who is in the fork of Broad Biver. 
Lord Cornwallis is moving in force to cover him. 

I wish your answer respecting the practicability 
of surprising the party near Nelsons — the routes and 
the force you will be able to detach. This inquiry 
is a matter that requires the greatest secrecy. 

I am. Dear Sir, your most obedient humble 
servant, N. Greene. 



MAJOR-GENERAL NATHANAEL GREENE. 13 



TO MRS. GREENE. 

Camp on the Pedee, January 25, 1781. 
My Dear Caty, 

General Morgan has given Colonel Tarleton a com- 
plete defeat. The enemy's loss is upwards of one 
hundred killed, upwards of two hundred wounded, 
and upwards of five hundred prisoners, and between 
thirty and forty commissioned officers killed and 
taken prisoners. Besides these there were taken two 
field pieces, eight hundred stand of arms, thirty five 
wagons, sixty negroes, and one hundred Dragoon 
horses. The victory was complete, and is glorious. 
The jDarticulars you will see in the papers. 

A few days since I had the hajDpiness to hear 
from you by a letter from Nancy Vernon, who wrote 
me that she expected you in Newport, and that you 
were well, but a little low-spirited. Keep a good 
heart. I hope we shall enjoy many happy days 
together, though we may be separated a few months 
longer. Write me by every opportunity. 

The birds are singing, and the frogs are peeping 
in the same manner they do in April to the North- 
ward, and vegetation is in as great forwardness as at 
the beginning of May. 

We are to have a feu de joie to-day, and I have 
many letters to write, therefore you will pardon this 
short and incorrect note. Please to present my kind 
regards to all friends. I am in perfect good health, 
and everybody is in high spirits about me. But I 



14 LIFE, LETTERS, AND DESPATCHES OF 

am of a SjDanish disposition, always the most serious 
when there is the greatest run of good fortune — for 
fear of some ill-fated stroke. 

Yours affectionately, 

N. Greene. 



TO GENERAL VARNUM. 

Camp South Carolina, on the Pedee, January 25, 1781. 
Dear Sir, 

By a letter from General Washington which came 
to hand a few days since, I was informed of your 
being on your way to Congress, which I was happy 
to hear of You have the feelings of a soldier, and 
know the wants of an army. But you have never 
been in a Southern army, where distress and diffi- 
culty beset you on every side. This department 
affords a chequered scene. Sometimes one party is 
successful, and sometimes the other. A few days 
past. General Morgan gained a complete victory over 
Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton. The particulars are for- 
warded to Congress, and for further particulars I beg 
leave to refer you to Major Giles, an old acquaint- 
ance of yours, who will have the honor to deliver 
the despatches to Congress and doubtless will expect 
some honorable notice, as every thing is due to his 
merit. The Baron* that is mentioned in General 

* " The Baron de Glaubeck who accompanies Major Giles "with these 
despatches, served with me as a volunteer, and behaved so as to merit 
your attention." b. Morgan's Letter of January 19, 1781. Graham's Life 
of Morgan, p. 311. * 



MAJOR-GENERAL NATHAN AEL GREENE. 15 

Morgan's letter, is a very deserving young man and 
has been serving in the American army as a vohm- 
teer upwards of two years. He is a Captain Lieu- 
tenant in the Austrian service, and would be happy 
to have a brevet commission of a Captain. Any 
lower rank than that he cannot accept of, nor does 
he wish to have any command in America, but con- 
tinue to serve as a volunteer. Congress will act as 
they think proper. I cannot ask any thing of them 
of this kind, they having refused to give Dr. McHenry 
a majority after I had made a special request to 
that effect. 

This army is in a deplorable condition, and not- 
withstanding this Uttle success must inevitably fall a 
prey to the enemy if not better supported than I 
can see a prospect of Don't imagine that Lord 
CornwalUs is ruined, for depend upon it, the South- 
ern States must fall unless there is established a well 
appointed army for their support of about 5 or 6000 
Lifantry, and 800 or a 1000 Horse, and these to be 
well equipt for active operations. Such a force, 
assisted by the auxiliary aid of the militia, would 
prove superior to any force the enemy could main- 
tain in the field in this quarter. 

There is a great spirit of enterprise prevaiHng 
among the militia of these Southern States, especially 
with the volunteers. But their mode of going to 
war is so destructive as well as uncertain, that it is 
the greatest folly in the world to trust the Hberties 
of a people to such a precarious tenure. 

In this command I am obHged to put every thing 
to the hazard, and contrary to all military propri- 
ety am obhged to make detachments, that nothing 



16 LIFE, LETTERS, AND DESPATCHES. 

but absolute necessity could authorize or even jus- 
tify. If they are successful, it is well ; if not, I am 
ruined. There is no alternative. I must commit 
myself to fortune and trust to my friends for sup- 
port. It is my only wish to be on an equal footing 
with Lord Cornwallis, and if I did not give a good 
account of him I would agree to be subject to cen- 
sure. 

I shall be happy to hear from you, and wish you 
to communicate my compliments to Mrs. Yarnum. 
I am, Sir, your humble servant, 

N. Greene. 



